Harrah’s anniversary a jackpot for community

Twenty charities will ‘share the wealth’

Published: Thursday, May 23, 2013 9:10 a.m. CDT

JOLIET, Ill. — For 20 years, Harrah’s Joliet has been a valued member of the local community. Because of its 20 year milestone, Harrah’s is looking back fondly on its history and its commitment to the community.

To say Harrah’s is a popular destination is an understatement. Since opening in 1993, Harrah’s Joliet has had over 50 million admissions and more than $2 billion paid out in jackpots.

Harrah’s Joliet helps the community through taxes: more than $1.5 billion in taxes has gone to the state of Illinois and nearly $300 million has been paid in local taxes.

In addition, more than $6 million has been donated to local charitable causes by Harrah’s Joliet and the Caesars Foundation.

One way Harrah’s is celebrating 20 years is to share the wealth with 20 local not-for-profit organizations. The Harrah’s Joliet team will present the donations at noon, Sunday, May 26, under the hotel porte cochere, Harrah’s Joliet, 151 N. Joliet St.

Recipients include:

• Easter Seals Joliet Region
• Senior Services Center of Will County
• Will County Habitat for Humanity
• Will Grundy Center for Independent Living
• Joliet Area Historical Museum
• The George Werden Buck Boys and Girls Club of Joliet
• The Miracle League of Joliet
• Guardian Angel Community Services
• United Way of Will County
• Joliet Will County Project Pride
• Spanish Community Center
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties
• March of Dimes
• Regional CARE Association
• ATI Foundation
• Alzheimer’s Association of Joliet
• Cornerstone Services, Inc.
• MorningStar Mission Ministries, Inc.
• Trinity Services, Inc.
• Lamb’s Fold

“We are committed to sharing our financial success with our community by donating a portion of company profits to charitable causes,” said Darren VanDover, senior vice president and general manager. “We also value the diversity and vitality of our community which in turn fuels our dedication to local organizations.”

In addition, Harrah’s employees (called HERO team members) have volunteered more than 9,000 hours in the community, and recently, the property was honored with the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce’s Salute to Accomplishment Award for being an outstanding corporate citizen.

Harrah’s Joliet’s parent company is Caesars Entertainment, which is focused on building loyalty and value with its guests through great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership.

Throughout the month of May, Total Rewards Members are being treated to a variety of promotions to celebrate this momentous occasion. The activities culminate on Sunday, May 26, with an anniversary celebration featuring special jackpot bonuses, live entertainment and giveaways.

For more information, call (815) 740-7800 or visit www.harrahsjoliet.com/.